Rite Aid to unveil 3-D holographic displays

By Alaric DeArment

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Rite Aid is planning to roll out 3-D holographic display kiosks in its stores next year, according to the kiosks' manufacturer.

In a letter to shareholders, Provision Interactive Technologies president and CEO Curt Thornton wrote that it would place its 3-D Reward Centers in Rite Aid stores, starting with 200 stores and, according to the agreement between the two companies, eventually installing the kiosks in up to 4,800 stores. Rite Aid currently has 4,679 stores.

The kiosks include a display unit that shows 3-D images "'floating in space' without the need for special glasses," which the company said appear so real that people standing within view feel compelled to reach out and touch them. Images are visible within a 60-degree range and can be projected more than four feet. The company's "Air Touch" technology also allows for interactivity.

Previously, Provision had sold its displays on a per-unit basis, but its agreement with Rite Aid, as well as a similar agreement with the Circle K convenience store chain, allows it to collect advertising revenue.